The following resources are available to mariners in the Portland, Oregon area.
Lodging These motels are listed because they have reasonable prices and are located along an easy driving route to and from Columbia Pacific Maritime. There are dozens of additional choices available.
Comfort Suites 1477 NE 183 Ave. Portland, OR (503) 661-2200
Hampton Inn 3039 NE 183 Ave. Portland, OR (503) 669-7000
Quality Inn & Suites 2323 NE 183 Ave. Portland, OR (503) 492-4000
Nordic Motel 11942 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR (503) 253-6427
USCG Approved Training Schools Although there are several part-time training programs that offer limited selection of USCG approved courses once a year, there are only two full-time USCG approved training schools located in the Portland, Oregon area.
Columbia Pacific Maritime LLC 13211 NE Thompson CT Portland, OR (503) 841-6066
Fryar's Maritime Service 6108 NE Highway 99 Suite 104 Vancouver, WA (360) 737-8022
First Aid and CPR Training Standard First Aid with CPR is required for an original issue of any USCG license. The course must have been completed within one year of the date of the application and must be from either the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or from another USCG recognized training program. In the Portland area I recommend Metro CPR. Trent Morrison has been very cooperative in providing the required training on a flexible schedule for my students, just let him know you are taking it for a USCG license and he will set you up with the correct course.
FCC Marine Radio Operators Permit An FCC Marine Radio Operators Permit is required for USCG licensed operators who operate towing vessels over 26 feet in length and all inspected vessel operators. The Marine Radio Operators Permit exam consists of 24 questions taken for Element 1 of the FCC exam questions. Passing score is a minimum of 75% correct, or 18 out of 24 questions. An online exam prep course is now available through E-school. The following FCC commercial radio examiners are located in the Portland area; click here for additional locations outside the Portland area.
Richard Bass Milwaukie, OR (503) 860-3777
Allen Shelby Aloha, OR (503) 642-1366
Merchant Marine Physical and DOT Drug Testing A Merchant Marine Physical Exam and DOT Approved Drug Screening is required to be submitted with every application form except when requesting an endorsement. The physical exam can be administered by any doctor or physicians assistant, but having it administered by a physician who is familiar with USCG forms and procedures can save you time. In the Portland, Oregon area I recommend the CONCENTRA Medical Center located at Swain Island. This is a drop-in clinic that can handle both the physical exam and DOT Drug Screening.
Concentra Medical Center 3449 N Anchor Street Ste. 300A Portland, OR (503) 283-0013